BIS Issued Revised Series Guidelines for IS/IEC 62368-1:2023

Introduction to the Revised Series Guidelines

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has recently issued a new circular regarding the formation of product series under the standard IS/IEC 62368-1:2023. This update follows the earlier migration notification that was issued on 29 October 2025, which shifted compliance requirements from IS 13252 Part 1:2020 and IS 616:2017 to the newer safety standard IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.

The revised guidelines provide detailed clarification on how manufacturers can group products into a series for BIS registration and testing purposes, ensuring compliance in the market. These updated rules are important for manufacturers who are seeking BIS registration under the Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), especially for electronics and IT products that are covered under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023.

Key Changes You Should Know

Definition of Product Family

1. A product family must be based on the maximum configuration of components and sub-assemblies.
2. All models in a family should share a common design, construction, parts, and safety-related assemblies.

Common criteria applicable to all products in a series

1. Maximum Number of Models in a Series

• A maximum of 10 models can be included in one series unless a higher limit is specifically allowed for any product category.
• One sample is required for testing for every ten models.
• The worst-case configuration must always be selected for testing purposes.

2. IP Rating Requirements

• All models in a series must have the same IP rating.
• IP testing must be conducted as per IS/IEC 60529 in BIS-recognized labs.
• If it is not protected, no IP Marking is needed.
• If IP protection is used as a safeguard for the product, it must be in accordance with the IS/IEC 60529, and the IP code must be declared in manuals or equipment markings.

3. Enclosure Requirements

• Fire enclosure materials, electrical insulation barriers, and protective materials must remain the same across all models.
• Minor dimensional differences are allowed only if safety distances and ventilation integrity are not compromised and remain in accordance with the IEC 60529 requirements.
• Ventilation openings must remain the same or more restrictive compared to the lead model.
• The design and dimensions of enclosure apertures for connectors, controls, and displays shall maintain the distance to internal live parts, while also not compromising the fire enclosure integrity. 

4. Buttons, Controls, and Display Variations

• Changes in button position or aesthetics are permitted only if safety is not affected, which will be scrutinized by the testing laboratory.
• Testing labs must confirm that relocated controls do not reduce creepage, clearance, or enclosure safety.

Note: Variations are permitted only if the above safety criteria are met and not compromised in any phase of the manufacturing.

5. Class of Construction (Electrical Insulation Class)

All models in a series must belong to the same insulation class as mentioned:

• Class I (basic insulation plus protective earth)
• Class II (double or reinforced insulation, no earth)
• Class III (SELV supply)

6. Energy Source and Safeguard Requirements

• All models in a series must use the same energy source and safeguard system.
• ES (electrical) / PS (power) / TS (thermal) classifications must remain identical across models.
• Products with different energy source classifications cannot be grouped together.
• Active cooling (fans) and passive cooling models (heatsinks only) cannot be part of the same series.
• Safety-critical components such as Y-capacitors, optocouplers, and MOVs must remain the same across all models in a series.

7. External Power Source and Battery Conditions

• External Energy Source, mains operated with an internal power supply, and Battery (internal) operated shall not be grouped in the same series.
• Registered power adapters or power banks shall be provided with equal or higher-rated power.
• Products supporting USB-PD or PPS can be grouped only if power negotiation limits remain identical in order to ensure consistent safeguard performance.
• The PCB layouts or the SMPS board layout must be the same across all models, and similarly, in power transformers, the design and insulation system must be the same.
• Battery-operated devices must use the same battery chemistry, the same PCB layout, and the same charging and protection circuits.
• Models with different battery capacities are allowed only if the highest-capacity model is tested in the BIS-accredited labs.
• All models in the series shall have the same rated input voltage.
• If the external energy source is not supplied with the products, the specifications of the same shall be stated in the package/manual.

8. Additional Product Grouping Conditions

Products in a series must also maintain similarity in the following:

1. Form factor
2. Microphone and Earphones
3. Charging type
4. Smart Watches with/without SIM to be in different series.
5. Devises with/without displays to be in different series.
6. Touch/non-touch functionality
7. Number of outputs and component ratings
8. Frequency and phase configuration
9. Largest paper size in machines
10. Displays
11. Types of Mountings
12. Processor enclosure design
13. IP ratings of wireless transmitter/receiver systems

Additional Notes

• Power adapters, UPS/Inverters, and Power Banks may be grouped within a power or capacity range in a series.
• All notified components that are used inside finished products must be independently registered under the CRO.

What is the Date of Implementation?

These series guidelines are effective immediately (for the migration of IS 616 and IS 13252 to the IS/IEC 62368-1:2023)

Benefits of this Update for the Industry

These revised guidelines bring better clarity and consistency for manufacturers who are applying under BIS CRS. Here are the key benefits of the same: 

• Clearer rules for series formation and grouping of models.
• Better understanding of testing requirements.
• Reduced confusion during BIS application preparation.
• Improved consistency in safety compliance.
• Helps manufacturers plan product variants in a more efficient manner.
• Prevents incorrect grouping of models that may lead to objections or delays.
• Supports smoother testing and certification processes.

Overall, the guidelines improve transparency and help manufacturers to align product design with BIS expectations from the beginning.

Now, What to Do?

Manufacturers as well as brand owners whose products are covered under IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 should carefully review their existing and upcoming product series. 

At Brand Liaison, we help electronics manufacturers simplify complex BIS series guidelines by conducting detailed product-family assessments before testing and registration. Our team assists in identifying valid series combinations, reviewing technical construction differences, preparing compliance documentation, and coordinating with laboratories in order to reduce the chances of objections, retesting, or application delays under the updated IS/IEC 62368-1:2023 framework.